Shipyard Workers to Take Big Pay Cut

The economic effects of sequestration are expected to hit thousands of Portsmouth Naval Shipyard workers in April when they are expected to begin one day furloughs for 22 weeks, which will cost each worker one month's pay.

WMUR reported the 20 percent pay cut is happening after sequestration and mandated Department of Defense spending reductions went into effect on March 4. Paul O'Connor, president of the shipyard's Metal Trades Council, told the television news station the furloughs will also negatively affect the Portsmouth area's economy.

In February, O'Connor also said the shipyard's ability to service the Navy's Los Angeles and Virginia class nuclear submarines and the repair work on in May and June 2012.